Dog Training / Therapy Dog Handler

Here are some of the most popular dog breeds used for therapy work, along with their benefits:

1. Labrador Retriever  

• Benefits: Friendly, gentle, patient, and intelligent. They are excellent with children and adults alike, often providing comfort and reducing stress.  

2. Golden Retriever

• Benefits: Kind, loyal, and gentle. They have a calming presence and are often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to provide emotional support.  

3. Poodle

• Benefits: Intelligent, hypoallergenic, and adaptable. They come in various sizes, making them suitable for different environments. Their calm and gentle nature makes them great therapy companions.  

4. Bichon Frise

• Benefits: Playful, affectionate, and hypoallergenic. Their small size and cheerful demeanor make them ideal for visiting patients in hospitals and nursing homes.  

5. Greyhound

• Benefits: Gentle, calm, and surprisingly affectionate. Despite their racing history, Greyhounds are known for their laid-back personalities and love of cuddling.  

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  

• Benefits: Gentle, affectionate, and patient. Their calm and loving nature makes them great therapy dogs, especially for those who prefer smaller breeds.  

7. Pug

• Benefits: Playful, affectionate, and adaptable. Their small size and charming personality make them great companions for people of all ages.  

8. Beagle

• Benefits: Friendly, playful, and gentle. Their outgoing nature and love of people make them great therapy dogs, especially for children.

Remember: While these breeds are popular choices, any dog can be a therapy dog with proper training and temperament. The most important qualities for a therapy dog are a calm and gentle demeanor, a love of people, and the ability to handle various environments.

Tom Savoca is a respected dog trainer who is well-known in the Coconut Creek and Coral Springs areas of South Florida for his expertise in therapy dog training. His dedication to helping dogs and their owners reach their full potential has made him a trusted figure in the community, particularly for those looking to get involved in therapy dog activities. Through his company, Dog Training Does Matter, Tom provides personalized training programs that prepare dogs and their handlers for the rewarding world of therapy dog work.

Tom Savoca’s Therapy Dog Training

Therapy dogs provide emotional comfort, companionship, and support to individuals in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community centers. Training a therapy dog requires specialized knowledge, as these dogs must be calm, obedient, and well-socialized in a variety of environments. Tom Savoca has extensive experience in this field, offering tailored training that focuses on the unique qualities needed for therapy work.

Key Components of Tom Savoca’s Therapy Dog Training:

1. Basic Obedience Skills: Before a dog can begin therapy-specific training, it must have a solid foundation of basic obedience skills. Tom emphasizes commands such as sit, stay, down, and recall, ensuring that dogs respond consistently to their handlers in all situations.
2. Socialization: Therapy dogs must be comfortable around people of all ages, other animals, and a variety of environments. Tom’s training includes exposure to different scenarios, sounds, and settings to prepare dogs for the unpredictability of therapy work.
3. Desensitization: Therapy dogs may encounter wheelchairs, medical equipment, loud noises, or sudden movements. Tom incorporates desensitization techniques to help dogs remain calm and composed in these situations.
4. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation: Many therapy dog organizations require dogs to earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen certification as a prerequisite for therapy work. Tom helps dogs and their handlers prepare for and pass the CGC test, which evaluates obedience, manners, and behavior in public.
5. Specialized Therapy Training: Once a dog has mastered the basics, Tom works on therapy-specific skills, such as learning to approach people gently, remain calm in crowded spaces, and adapt to the needs of different individuals. This stage of training also involves teaching handlers how to read their dog’s body language and manage interactions during therapy visits.
6. Handler Education: Therapy dog training isn’t just about the dog—it’s also about the handler. Tom educates handlers on best practices, such as maintaining their dog’s focus, ensuring safety during visits, and understanding the emotional dynamics of therapy work.

Tom Savoca’s Therapy Dog Activities in the Community

Tom’s work extends beyond training to actively supporting therapy dog initiatives in Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, and surrounding areas. Through his efforts, he has helped many dog-and-handler teams become certified therapy dog pairs, making a meaningful difference in the community. Some of the notable ways Tom contributes include:

1. Partnerships with Local Organizations: Tom collaborates with hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities to connect therapy dog teams with people in need. Therapy dogs trained under his guidance have brought comfort to patients, seniors, and children with special needs.
2. School Programs: Tom understands the value of therapy dogs in educational settings, especially for children with special needs or those facing emotional challenges. His trained therapy dogs often participate in reading programs, where children practice reading aloud to a non-judgmental and comforting canine companion.
3. Support for Individuals with Disabilities: Many of Tom’s therapy dog graduates work with individuals who have physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. These therapy dogs provide emotional support, help reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection and independence.
4. Community Events: Tom and his therapy dog teams frequently participate in community events, spreading awareness about the benefits of therapy dogs and inspiring others to get involved. Events such as health fairs, charity walks, and pet expos often feature his therapy dog teams as ambassadors of the program.
5. Customized Therapy Goals: Tom tailors training and activities to meet the specific needs of therapy dog teams. For instance, some teams may focus on working with children in hospitals, while others may specialize in providing companionship to elderly residents in nursing homes.

Why Tom Savoca’s Expertise Matters

Having an experienced trainer like Tom Savoca is crucial when preparing a therapy dog for its important role. Therapy dog work requires a unique blend of temperament, training, and teamwork between the dog and its handler. Tom’s experience ensures that dogs are not only well-trained but also properly assessed for their suitability for therapy work. His patient, compassionate approach helps dogs thrive, and his guidance empowers handlers to confidently navigate the challenges of therapy visits.

In Coconut Creek and Coral Springs, Tom’s work has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Whether it’s a child with autism finding comfort in a therapy dog’s presence or a senior citizen in a nursing home feeling less lonely thanks to a furry visitor, the therapy dog teams trained by Tom Savoca continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities. If you’re considering therapy dog activities, working with an experienced trainer like Tom is an invaluable first step toward making a positive impact.